(VOVworld) – Iraqi officials have said that Islamic State militants used chlorine bombs during clashes with Shiite militiamen last month in the north of Baghdad.

The officials said about 40 troops and Shiite militiamen were affected by the chlorine and showed symptoms consistent with chlorine poisoning, such as difficulty in breathing and coughing. The troops have been discharged from hospital. US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the US could not confirm the veracity of the claims, but he called them it serious. He added that Washington is looking for more information to confirm the problem. Kerry said that the attacks, if true, “will not change Washington’s strategy” in fighting the IS – jihadists have been occupying many areas in Iraq and Syria.